Sabbatical Leave

An extended break from work granted to employees for personal growth, research, or career development.
HR teams implement sabbatical leave policies to support work-life balance, prevent burnout, and encourage professional learning. Companies that offer sabbaticals often see improved retention and employee satisfaction.

Is sabbatical leave paid or unpaid?

Sabbatical leave can be paid or unpaid, depending on company policy and employment agreement. Some organizations provide full pay or partial pay during a sabbatical, while others may grant it without pay.

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What is the rule of sabbatical leave?

The rules vary by company, but typically:

• An employee must serve a minimum number of years (say, 5 or 7) to be eligible
• The sabbatical’s duration is usually a few months to a year
• Some companies require a proposal or plan for what the sabbatical will be used for (such as study, rest, or renewal)
• The employee’s job is held for their return (with or without pay, depending on policy)
• Benefit accrual (like pension or annual leave) may be paused or reduced during the sabbatical

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Is sabbatical leave a career break?

Yes — a sabbatical is a form of career break. It’s a planned break from employment, with the understanding that the employee will return after their time away. It’s different from quitting, redundancy, or termination.